Funeral ceremonies are not for the dead, but for the living. As with many ‘Rites of Passage’ they are moments in our lives when events force us to stop, think, remember and ‘take stock’ of our own lives. Funerals are a significant part of the process of coming to terms with loss and can be extremely therapeutic, allowing participants to collectively witness a farewell supported by friends and family. I can help with ceremonies in Crematoria, or burials in civic or natural spaces, and Celebrations of life after a ‘direct cremation’.
Hi, I'm Simon
Simon's communication with our family before the funeral was excellent - sensitive, timely and effective. His leadership around the construction of the service was very useful for those of us in various states of grief and capacity. However, it was at the service itself that he held the space for us in a truly remarkable way. Without imposing himself, so that all of us could contribute in the ways we needed to, he nonetheless steered the ship with a rare, caring authority that enabled everyone to relax enough to cope with a very emotional funeral commemorating a difficult death. His contribution was absolutely outstanding.
— Funeral October 2024
Simon was extraordinary. He delivered an exceptional service to celebrate the life of a much loved and cherished husband and father. From the outset, when he visited the family to understand the nature and value of the person he was celebrating, it was apparent he would have the natural instinct to communicate the essence and unique qualities of that person. Subsequently he collaborated with the family when he was creating the brilliant, poignant, and inclusive wording and structure of a wonderful service. The attendees, from all backgrounds and beliefs, expressed that they found it both moving, uplifting and enlightening. It encapsulated the many wonderful qualities of the deceased. Simon had delivered a celebration that was a fitting tribute to a wonderful and unique individual.
— Funeral February 2024
Friends and relatives asked if Simon had known my dad as he had spoken so accurately about him. Simon guided us through sadness to celebration during the funeral. He helped us to understand and accept our feelings of sadness but to look forward with optimism
— Funeral December 2023
Simon Smith
Where I work
I live in Brighton but can work across the South East
Fees from...
£300
Fluent in
French
How to contact me
simonsmithbhacelebrant@gmail.com
Phone
Website
HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.
You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.
Humanist funerals
Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.
